Trace element seasonality in marine macroalgae of different functional-form groups

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Understanding seasonal element accumulation in seaweeds is vital for marine ecosystem health.
• Macroalgae are important indicators of coastal water quality due to their ability to accumulate elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate seasonal patterns of element concentrations in different macroalgae functional-form groups.
• To compare element accumulation seasonality between sheet-like and branched macroalgae.
• To assess the suitability of different macroalgae for biomonitoring coastal waters.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of seasonal concentrations of 15 elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, U, V, Zn) in four macroalgae species.
• Application of uni- and multivariate statistical analyses.
• Comparison of element variability based on thallus morphology and growth strategy.

Main Results:

• Element concentrations generally decreased in spring/summer, attributed to the growth effect, with exceptions in Ulva species.
• Certain elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr) showed low monthly variability in Ulva species.
• Sheet-like macroalgae exhibited less seasonal influence on element content compared to branched types.

Conclusions:

• Thallus morphology and growth strategy significantly influence seasonal element variation in macroalgae.
• Fast-growing, sheet-like macroalgae (e.g., Ulva species) are potentially better suited for coastal biomonitoring.
• The study provides data for developing effective biomonitoring programs for coastal environment protection.